Question 1

What size rack case do I need for my equipment?

Accepted Answer

To determine the correct rack case size, first calculate the total rack units (U) required by adding up all your equipment heights — each 1U equals 44.45 mm or 1.75 inches. Add 2–4U of spare capacity for future expansion and cable routing. For depth, measure your deepest piece of equipment from the front mounting ears to the rear connectors, then add 50–80 mm for cable clearance. Most professional audio processors fit in standard 400–500 mm depth cases, while power amplifiers often require 550–650 mm or deeper. If you're unsure, consult the equipment manufacturer's specifications for recommended rack depth, or contact our technical team for guidance on your specific configuration.

Question 2

What is the best material for a rack case?

Accepted Answer

Professional touring rack cases are typically constructed from rotationally moulded polyethylene or injection-moulded ABS plastic, both offering excellent impact resistance and weather protection. Polyethylene cases, such as those from Peli, provide superior shock absorption and can withstand extreme temperature variations, making them ideal for airline transport and outdoor events. ABS cases offer a lighter weight option with good impact resistance, suitable for road transport and venue-to-venue touring. Both materials outperform traditional plywood cases in terms of water resistance and long-term durability. For maximum protection, look for cases with double-walled construction, reinforced corners and moulded-in metal inserts at stress points.

Question 3

How much do professional rack cases cost?

Accepted Answer

Professional rack case prices vary significantly based on size, construction quality and protection features. Basic 4U shallow cases start around €80–120, suitable for effects processors and small equipment. Mid-range 8U–12U cases with standard depth typically cost €200–400, offering good protection for most touring applications. Premium shock-mounted cases in the 12U–21U range, meeting ATA Category I specifications, range from €500–1,200 or more, depending on depth and features. Custom-built cases with specific dimensions or specialised internal configurations command higher prices but provide optimal protection for valuable equipment. When evaluating cost, consider the value of the equipment being protected — a €600 case is a sound investment when safeguarding €10,000 worth of audio processors or lighting controllers.

Question 4

Can I get custom-sized rack cases?

Accepted Answer

Yes, custom-sized rack cases are available for equipment that doesn't fit standard configurations. Many manufacturers offer made-to-measure services where you specify the exact internal dimensions, rack unit height, depth and any special features like custom foam inserts, additional cable ports or specific hardware placement. Custom cases are particularly valuable for unusual equipment combinations, vintage gear with non-standard dimensions, or integrated systems that must travel as a single unit. Lead times for custom cases typically range from 2–6 weeks depending on complexity, with prices generally 30–50% higher than equivalent standard sizes. For truly unique requirements, LTT can arrange custom case production through our manufacturing partners, ensuring your equipment receives optimal protection tailored to its specific dimensions and transport conditions.

Question 5

What are cage nuts and why are they used in rack mounting?

Accepted Answer

Cage nuts are spring-loaded metal clips that snap into the square holes of 19" rack rails, providing threaded mounting points for securing equipment with rack screws. They consist of a metal cage that grips the rail and a captive nut (typically 10-32 thread in North America or M6 in Europe) that receives the mounting screw. Cage nuts are preferred over fixed threaded rails because they can be positioned anywhere along the rail to match equipment mounting hole spacing, they're easily replaced if threads become damaged, and they can be installed from the front of the rack without requiring rear access — crucial when working with deep cases or densely populated equipment racks. Professional technicians typically install cage nuts in matched pairs at each mounting point, ensuring even load distribution across the equipment's mounting ears.

Question 6

How do shock-mounted rack cases protect equipment?

Accepted Answer

Shock-mounted rack cases protect sensitive equipment by suspending the internal rack frame on rubber or spring isolators that absorb impact energy and dampen vibration during transport. When the case experiences a shock — such as being dropped or subjected to rough handling — the isolators compress and extend, converting the sudden impact into slower, gentler motion that the equipment can tolerate. Quality shock mounting systems reduce peak G-forces by 60–80%, transforming a potentially damaging 20G impact into a manageable 4–8G load at the equipment level. This protection is essential for hard-drive-based systems, precision electronics and delicate digital processors that can suffer component damage, data corruption or calibration drift from excessive shock. Shock-mounted cases are particularly valuable for airline transport, where baggage handling can subject cases to severe impacts and vibration.

Question 7

What does an IP65 rating mean for rack cases?

Accepted Answer

An IP65 rating indicates that a rack case is completely dust-tight (the "6" rating) and protected against water jets from any direction (the "5" rating). The IP (Ingress Protection) code is an international standard that defines protection levels against solid particles and liquids. A dust-tight case prevents any dust ingress even during prolonged exposure to dusty environments, essential for outdoor festivals, desert locations or industrial settings. The water jet protection means the case can withstand direct spray from a 6.3 mm nozzle at 12.5 litres per minute from any angle without water entering the case interior — adequate protection for outdoor events where equipment may be exposed to rain during setup or breakdown. IP65-rated cases achieve this protection through precision-engineered gasket systems and sealed cable entry points, making them suitable for demanding outdoor and touring applications.

Question 8

Which rack accessories are essential for a touring system?

Accepted Answer

Essential rack accessories for professional touring systems include: cage nuts and rack screws (10-32 or M6) for equipment mounting; blanking panels to fill unused rack spaces and improve airflow; heavy-duty rack shelves for non-standard equipment; ventilation panels or fan systems for heat management; power distribution units with individual circuit breakers; cable management accessories including D-rings, cable ties and brush panels for organised routing; and replacement hardware such as butterfly latches, spring-loaded handles and ball corners for case maintenance. For systems subject to rigging, add load-rated suspension brackets and quick-release clamps. Most touring technicians also carry a selection of rack screws in various lengths, spare cage nuts, and basic hand tools for on-site adjustments. Investing in quality accessories from manufacturers like Riggatec®, Adam Hall and Neutrik ensures reliability and compatibility across your entire equipment inventory.

Case/rack accessories